12.03.2004 HEADLINED BY THE STUNNING MC12 SPORTSCAR IN GENEVA MASERATI ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO AN EXCITING AND VIBRANT FUTURE

Maserati have presented a stylish collection of sporty road cars, luxury saloons and pure out and out racers at the 74th Geneva Motor Show. As the millions that parent company Ferrari have pumped into the legendary sportscar maker's revival start to bear fruit, this is one of the most vibrant and exciting stands at the Swiss Show.

The stand is split into two sections, divided by a staircase leading up to a viewing gallery. One side houses the road cars, led out by the new Quattroporte super luxury saloon, while the other side is dedicated to racers and race bred cars, headlined by the outrageous MC12.

The MC12 was the car everybody had been waiting for, tantalised by glimpses of the GT racing bound variant testing at Fiorano during January. And it did not disappoint when the covers were pulled off, the targa topped and shockingly aggressive Ferrari Enzo-derived sportscar, stunning onlookers.

The two versions of the MC12 on display were joined the new 290km/h GranSport. Two of these 400bhp 4.2-litre V8 Coupe-based 'extreme' sportscars, one in white and a second in Maserati's blue livery lined up next to the MC12's, while one of the marque's legendary historic racers completed the display in this area of the stand.

On the opposite side, two of the new super luxury V8 Quattroporte saloons, first seen in Frankfurt last September took pride of place. A silver model, mounted on a revolving turntable, while a second in Maserati blue available for close up examination. Emphasising the massive range of 'personalisation' options available, they are backed up by sample of the interior trims, wood finishes and a pair of free mounted rear seats.

The range on display is completed by a Coupe and Spyder, both in Cambiocorsa specification, and a full size cutaway of these model's engine and drivetrain.

It all adds up to a highly impressive display from a marque who barely still existed just a few short years ago. The mood is upbeat as, under Ferrari's ownership and guidance, a bright future appears to await, and as well as new and exciting road cars in the pipeline, a new chapter in a glorious racing history is getting ready to be written.